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Special Events
Full Listing
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Photo: Darren Hedges |
Once again the MNR are holding an exhibition at Neatherd High School, Dereham, NR20 3AX.
Parking at the school is limited so visitors are advised to park at Dereham Station and use the free shuttle bus to the school. Those wishing to travel on the MNR will receive a discount on their train fare.
Layouts booked are: Stanton Lacey; 2 into 1, Cornard, Spitzwiesertal, Mountain Valley, Corru, Tombland, Thomas and a Fairground, Hungate Bridge, Orwell St John, Ambridge, Morleigh, Hornby Railway Collectors' Association, Maldon Market Hill, Edale and static display Wendling. Traders booked to attend are: East Anglian Hobbies, Enigma Art, H&A Models, Joe Lock Model Railways, David Green, Modeller's Mate, Hobbyworld, Electronic Connections, Andrew Ingram, Railway Memories, Magpie Scale Models, and M&B Models. Other visitors are the RCTS, Ashmanhaugh Light Railway, the Norfolk Mardlers, DEMU, an MNR stand and demonstrators.
Opening times 10am - 4pm. Hot and cold refreshments will be available at the school and station. Admission is £4 for adults, £2 for children, and £10 for families of up to 2 adults and 3 children. Orange timetable.
An opportunity for four individuals to participate in our Bronze driver experience courses. Two people sharing the morning run, and two in the afternoon.
All Mums are special - treat your mum to a traditional cream tea on the Mid-Norfolk Railway. Enjoy a journey through the lovely Norfolk countryside to Wymondham and back. Tea served en route. Trains depart from Dereham Station at 13:00 and 15:15. Tickets: £10 (adult) and £6 (child) including train travel and cream tea.
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Photo: Jon Batley |
This year's Spring Diesel Gala will feature Sulzer-engined locomotives, with visitors including 26 007, 45 133, 46 045 and a visiting mainline Sulzer locomotive.
Trade stands at Dereham Station include B&E Model Railways, Diesel Traction Video and The Class 60 Preservation Group.
One of two chances this year to have a look behind the scenes at the Mid-Norfolk Railway, with a guided commentary on the train; tours of the station, signal box and yard; demonstration freight trains and goods handling demonstrations; and "driver for a tenner". There will also be an opportunity to inspect progress on the Thuxton passing loop and signal box. Blue timetable.
A sponsored walk will be held in aid of the replacement of the level crossing gates at Swanton Road and County School.
Join us for children's activities on Easter Sunday. Normal fares apply. Under 5s free. Orange timetable.
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Photo: Seafish Authority |
Join us on board for a fish 'n' chip supper with a real ale bar. Meal is cod and chips, 2 sausages and chips, or vegetarian options, together with a pint of real ale, a glass of wine or a choice of soft drink, all served at your seat on departure from Dereham. The loco-hauled train leaves Dereham at 18:30. Fares are £13.50 for adults and £9 for children, who get a smaller portion size. The fare includes the meal, one drink, and the return trip to Wymondham. Additional drinks can be purchased from the bar. Please book at least a day in advance by calling (01362) 851723.
Also Saturday 19th June. There are steam-hauled fish 'n' chip specials on Saturdays 24th July, 7th August and 28th August priced at £15 for adults and £10 for children.
Both railways will be linked by a special vintage bus service. The bus service is operated by Sidelines Norfolk Ltd using a 1959 Bedford coach (subject to availability). Separate charges apply. Orange timetable.
| Dereham Station | dep | 11:30 | 13:15 | 15:00 | 17:05 |
| Whitwell Station | arr | 12:00 | 13:45 | 15:30 | 17:35 |
| Whitwell Station | dep | 12:15 | 14:00 | 15:45 | - |
| Dereham Station | arr | 12:45 | 14:30 | 16:15 | - |
A treat for Father's Day with vintage model rail layouts and an opportunity to ride the Yaxham Light Railway with connecting shuttle services. Special timetable.
| Dereham | dep | 10:15 | 12:20 | 13:00 | 14:45 | 15:15 |
| Yaxham | 10:23 | 12:28 | 13:08 | 14:53 | 15:23 | |
| Wymondham Abbey | arr | 10:53 | - | 13:38 | - | 15:53 |
| Wymondham Abbey | dep | 11:15 | - | 14:00 | - | 16:15 |
| Yaxham | 11:41 | 12:35 | 14:26 | 14:55 | 16:41 | |
| Dereham | arr | 11:53 | 12:43 | 14:38 | 15:03 | 16:53 |
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Photo: Nick Pounder |
For one day only, we will be stopping at Hardingham station to enable passengers to travel to the village fete. Our train will be leaving Dereham at 1:00pm. A bus shuttle service will carry the party the short distance from Hardingham Station on to Hardingham Fete at the village green in the centre of Hardingham.
The fete is the classic rural English village fete in a setting of great charm among oaks, the cricket pitch and the attractive village hall. The fete features entertainment, games, stalls, refreshments, cakes, a licensed bar, a barbecue and a well-supported and attractive flower show in a marquee. Hardingham Fete is a great afternoon of family fun.
The bus will return passengers to Hardingham Station in order to connect with the last train. To be sure of your place to visit Hardingham, tickets may be purchased in advance from Dereham Station or by telephone on (01362) 851723. Tickets will cost £5.50 for adults and £3.50 for children.
9466, the popular Western Region Pannier Tank owned by Dennis Howells, returns for the summer on the Mid-Norfolk Railway. Services operate to the purple timetable on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
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Photo: Hayden Charles |
Photo: Leslie Dale |
Live jazz with the Smokehouse Blues Band. Booking advisable.
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Photo: Alan Cooper |
Over 100 vehicles including classic cars, motorbikes, commercial vehicles and vintage buses are expected for this annual celebration of transport nostalgia.
Enjoy a cream tea aboard our steam specials from Dereham and Wymondham Abbey Stations. Booking advisable.
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Lumière Rouge Ragtime Band Photo: Alan Cooper |
The acclaimed Lumière Rouge Ragtime Band will be entertaining passengers with their New Orleans style jazz throughout the evening on board this special trip. Booking advisable.
The showpiece event of our 2010 season celebrating 50 years of the Class 37 locomotive. We hope to have ten examples of the class in service including resident engine 37003 and visiting locos from West Coast Railway Company, DB Schenker and Direct Rail Services (subject to availability). The weekend will also see the launch of the Thuxton passing loop permitting two-train running on the MNR for the first time since opening to Wymondham in 1999.
The second of two chances this year to have a look behind the scenes at the Mid-Norfolk Railway, with a guided commentary on the train; tours of the station, signal box and yard; demonstration freight trains and goods handling demonstrations; and "driver for a tenner". Blue timetable.
A treat for kids featuring professional entertainers, balloon modelling, colouring competitions, story-telling and a fancy dress competition as well as a spooky train ride. Further details to follow.
An opportunity for four individuals to participate in our Bronze driver experience courses each day. Two people sharing the morning run, and two in the afternoon.
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Thuxton Church Photo: Owen Stratford |
Join us for a special evening of carols and seasonal refreshments aboard our heritage diesel railcar as we journey to Thuxton for a special carol service at St. Paul's Church. The well-known Barnham Broom Choir will be joining us for the trip to Thuxton and leading a candlelight procession for the short walk from the station to the church. Please bring torches or lanterns. At the Church, we will join with the local community to celebrate Christmas in the form of a traditional carol service. Mince pies and mulled wine will be served on the return journey.
Tickets £5 adults, £4 children. Early booking essential on (01362) 851723 due to limited numbers.
Our ever-popular Santa trains will run on 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 23rd and 24th December from both Dereham and Wymondham Abbey Stations. Pre-booking essential.
Please note that we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs or dogs on our Santa Special trains. Customers should also note that Santa Special tickets are non-refundable although we will endeavour to provide the child's present and an alternative journey on a regular passenger service where possible.
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Photo: Graham Moates |
Make a New Year's resolution to travel on a Mince Pie Special from Dereham. Sherry plus mince pies will be served during the 22 mile round trip, with soft drinks and chocolate novelties for the children. Trains leave Dereham at 11am and 2pm, and Wymondham Abbey at 11.45am. Fares: £8 adults and £4.50 children aged 5-15. Under 5s travel free.